I am an HCPC-registered Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist, based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
With over 10 years of experience in the NHS, I have developed a clinical practice that supports individuals dealing with the psychological consequences of physical health issues, injury, illness, or treatment. My role includes supervision, consultation, teaching, training, service development, and clinical research. I am trained in EMDR and ACT therapies.
Privately, I offer highly specialised psychological assessments for those seeking cosmetic surgery. Additionally, I provide consultation, supervision, and training for professionals and hospitals relating to the integration of psychological care in cosmetic surgery settings.
I also conduct medico-legal assessments as an expert witness addressing psychological issues that arise following traumatic events, injuries, illnesses, or hospital treatments.
My mission is to promote and provide safe, ethical, and effective psychological care within cosmetic surgery settings.
The aim of the pre-surgery psychological assessment is to ensure that the person is psychologically prepared and able to proceed with surgery, with realistic expectations for the outcome and a robust likelihood of psychological success. This includes having sufficient resilience to cope with the procedure itself, as well as the recovery requirements and any complications that may arise.
These cosmetic surgery psychological assessments are undertaken because research shows that individuals who are well informed, psychologically robust, and well supported are more likely to be satisfied with both the outcome of the surgery and the process itself. Those who are not adequately prepared for the surgery process or who harbor unrealistic expectations for the outcome are at risk of dissatisfaction and could potentially experience psychological distress as a result. Pre-surgery psychological assessments are grounded in scientific theory and psychological principles to help us understand human cognition and behavior, allowing us to anticipate how someone might respond.
The cosmetic surgery psychological assessment can take up to 90 minutes and can be completed face to face in Newcastle upon Tyne or virtually through an online meeting
During the assessment, I will ask about the following areas:
- The surgery requested
- Your understanding of the surgery process, including risks, complications, expected outcomes, and recovery
- General physical health
- Past and current psychological wellbeing
- Body image and attitudes towards your appearance
- Involvement with psychological services
- Practical and emotional support
I also complete some brief psychometric questionnaires to help me better understand your mood and body image.
My primary responsibility is to support the client and surgeon in moving forward with the cosmetic surgery process. This means I might make some recommendations for things to consider before or alongside surgery.
I may suggest that a client see me again before being listed for surgery, especially if they have questions, do not fully understand the surgery, or if I have concerns that the client's expectations are not aligned with the surgeon's goals for surgery.
If I have concerns that someone's psychological wellbeing will be affected by or could affect their engagement with surgery and the potential for a good outcome, I may recommend a course of psychological therapy. I will be clear about what I think would be best, and whether surgery should be delayed until psychological therapy is complete. Currently, I do not offer psychological therapy in this setting.
A complete cosmetic surgery psychological assessment with Dr. Emma Hodgkinson costs £250. This includes an assessment discussion of up to 90 minutes, a full report, and any reasonable consultation required with the surgeon. Some private hospitals may cover the cost of this process; if not pre-arranged with the surgeon, costs will be payable by the client.
If you fail to attend your assessment appointment, or cancel the appointment within 24 working hours, you will be charged for 50% of the assessment fee.
Referrals for pre-surgical psychological assessment should be made by the surgeon undertaking the surgery. The surgeon must fully explain the referral to the client before being sent, ensuring they agree with the referral being made and the reason for doing so.
In the referral, it is beneficial for me to have a summary of the proposed surgery and any specific concerns or queries that need to be addressed within the assessment. Please include an email address and telephone number for the client for ease of communication.
It is important that the client has not been listed for surgery or have a fixed surgery date at the time of referral to my service.
I have completed Bond Solon Expert Witness Training, and I am happy to be approached by solicitors representing claimants and defendants. I currently work with a number of different UK based medico-legal agencies. Please contact me for a copy of my terms and conditions or to discuss a potential instruction. Current waiting times are available on request.
I offer specialist clinical supervision for psychosocial professionals working in this setting. Please contact me if you would like to discuss supervision arrangements.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss bespoke teaching and training for your service regarding the integration of clinical psychology into your cosmetic surgery practice.
I offer consultation tailored to individual client needs following a cosmetic surgery psychological assessment, as well as guidance on the integration of psychological care in cosmetic surgery settings, including clinical psychology screening, assessment, and care in cosmetic surgery.
Usual confidentiality rules apply to all contacts with me. Everything discussed with or relating to clients, including those undergoing cosmetic surgery psychological assessment, is private and confidential. There are some exceptions.
I cannot keep anything private that raises concerns about the safety of the client or someone related to them. If I am worried in this way, I may have to involve other agencies such as a GP, emergency services, or social care to help the client stay safe. I will try to discuss my worries with the client at the time of disclosure, but if I cannot, I will take the necessary steps to ensure the client’s safety.
Following a cosmetic surgery psychological assessment, I will prepare a report to be sent to the referring surgeon. The client will also receive a copy of the report and have the right to query the contents or request amendments. I can exclude any information from my report that I deem irrelevant to the purpose of the assessment—either using my discretion or upon the client's request.
In the case of a medico-legal assessment, the complete contents of the assessment will be included in the report.
All reports are sent electronically and are password protected.
I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office and fulfil all obligations to keep information safe.
11th May 2026 6pm to 7.30pm
via MS Teams
Please email me to register for a place
I endeavour to respond to all emails within three working days.
